Since starting at Castran Gilbert at just 22, Michael Lang has lived and breathed real estate.

More than 20 years later, Mr Lang is a born and bred real estate agent in all the right ways.

He has seen the industry evolve from the old-fashioned strategy of cold-calling to the modern world of digital marketing campaigns, while also working on a 360-degree basis across listings, auctions, established property and off-the-plan projects.

Mr Lang credits his decades-long client relationships to being personable, trustworthy, honest and knowledgeable.

He believes “it’s not a bad market, it’s just bad real estate” and that the right combination of expertise and well-designed product can get results regardless of prevailing market conditions.  

Formerly Castran Gilbert’s youngest ever Sales Manager at the tender age of 25, and now one of the Directors of the business, Mr Lang is an expert in off-the-plan sales and marketing and still has his finger on the pulse when it comes to all things real estate.

When did you know you wanted to work in property?

I went to an information night the Real Estate Institute of Victoria was hosting in my area when I had just left school. I was chatting with a few agents on the night and distinctly remember one of them saying “you’re too young to be in real estate”. I think it was that attitude that actually triggered my inquisitiveness about the industry and I haven't looked back since. In fact, it was that conversation that prompted me to pick up the phone book and start looking for a job. Luckily for me, an opportunity presented itself and I found myself a role at a local agency in Ringwood.

What is it you love most about working in the industry?

I love facilitating the connection between buyer and seller. No transaction is the same which presents new challenges and ultimately shapes you into a better agent.

Personally, I get the most out of negotiation as well as being able to immerse myself in all aspects of a project. There is always something new to learn in real estate as our industry is constantly evolving which always presents new challenges and opportunities.

What would your advice be to aspiring agents wanting to make a start in the industry?

Real estate is all about perspective. My advice would be to surround yourself with people who you can learn from and to stick to the fundamentals. Be the person who is willing to do anything, whether it is cold calling a potential client or helping your colleague out on a cold Saturday morning. This will shape you into a well-rounded agent ready to adapt to the industry as it changes.

What makes Castran Gilbert different?

We have eschewed the typical franchise model to focus on creating a dedicated and talented ‘home base’ in South Yarra. 

We've decided to grow vertically - up rather than out. There was a model where people had all these franchises, and there still is, but we decided to buck that trend early on. In terms of scale, we’re easily the equivalent of six separate offices, with 40-50 employees working from our South Yarra headquarters. The major difference is the size of our single, dedicated office and our specialisation within a defined geographic region, being metropolitan Melbourne. I also think the fact we approach our work as more than just real estate. We are committed to more than just selling and that sets us apart as genuine partners with our clients.

Today, Castran Gilbert is widely known for our project marketing expertise and as a specialist ‘developer’s agent’ - we enter every new relationship with the intention of being on the journey for the long-term with that developer, with the aim of helping them fulfil their project and business aspirations. That’s what makes our work so rewarding.

For more information about Castran Gilbert real estate, email or phone Michael via the details below.

Similar to this: 

Designer Mornington Peninsula home on vast allotment close to Somers Beach

Living is easy at The Riverside

Historical mansion in Brighton for sale